Killer Bees Sign NJ Devils Draftee

November 10, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees News Release


HIDALGO, TX: November 10, 2004 – The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League made a roster move today with the addition of forward Justin Dziama. To make room for Dziama, the Killer Bees placed forward Danny Helmers on waivers.

Dziama (jawmuh) is a native of Natick, Massachusetts and joins the Bees as a free agent. The 6'3" 220-pound forward began this season in training camp with the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League (AHL) and with the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL, where he was alongside Allan Egeland (Coach Tracy Egeland's brother). The Albany River Rats serve as the top affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, who drafted Dziama in the eighth round of the 1999 NHL Draft.

The 24-year old rookie spent last season closing out a college career at Boston College. Dziama attended BC to follow the footsteps of his father Gregg, who was a three-year letterman with the Eagles football program (1969-1971), and his uncle Jeff, who was a four-year letterman (1976-1979) at linebacker and a 1980 NFL Draft selection by the New York Jets. At BC, Dziama was a communications major and played with the Eagles hockey program from 00/01 - 03/04, where he registered 10 goals and 9 assists for 19 points in 140 games. Dziama attended Noble & Greenough (Dedham, MA) prior to BC and excelled in hockey, football and crew. He was a two-time All-American in varsity crew and went undefeated for three years, earning an invite to compete in the Henley Royal Regatta in England. Dziama played in one season of junior hockey after leading Nobles to their first Independent School League (ISL) as a team captain, appearing in 56 games with the Eastern Junior Hockey League's (EJHL) Walpole Stars. He tallied 61 points off 29 goals and 32 assists with the Stars in the 99/00 season.

Released from the Bees roster was forward Danny Helmers, who was a big surprise in training camp with the Bees. The 31-year old Sheerwood Park, Alberta native played in 4 games with the Bees and contributed 2 assists. Helmers, who had pro experience in Germany, had not played professionally since 2000. He came to training camp on a tryout agreement and made the team after leading the team and the CHL in preseason goals with 4.

Dziama joined the team today and will be with the Bees as they embark on a "four games in five nights" road Friday in Fort Collins, Colorado against the Colorado Eagles. The Bees play the Eagles Friday and Saturday and then travel to Albuquerque, New Mexico Sunday to face the New Mexico Scorpions before ending the trip Tuesday afternoon in Lubbock.

The 2004/2005 season is currently underway and the Bees are currently swarming throughout the Central Hockey League. The Bees return home to the Dodge Arena Friday, November 19th as they host the Memphis RiverKings. Individual tickets are on sale now and may be obtained at any Dodge Arena ticket outlet, online (www.dodgearena.com) or over the phone at 866-RIO-TIXX. For more information concerning Killer Bees hockey, please visit their website at www.killerbeehockey.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from November 10, 2004


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